BBC News Online: UK

Teenagers in court over joyride death

Stephen Lee Arnold, of Kenn Close, Plymouth, was charged with causing the death of Daniel Pope, 14. The boy suffered severe head injures when a white Metro in which he was a passenger crashed on Sunday night at Honicknowle Green, Plymouth, Devon.

It is alleged he was dragged 75 yards from the car and abandoned on the doorstep of a nearby house.

It is also claimed that some youths rang the door bell and ran off leaving Daniel bleeding on the doorstep.

The pupil from the John Kitto School, Plymouth, was put on a life support machine at the Derriford hospital in Plymouth. But the machine was turned off and Daniel died on Monday afternoon from brain damage.

Arnold was also charged with breaking into a garage and stealing a car. He was further accused of driving while disqualified and a separate unrelated charge of receiving stolen goods.

He made no bail application and was remanded in custody by Plymouth magistrates for a week.

Daniel's father, Alan, made an appeal to other children saying that stealing cars and driving them cars "was not worth it".

"Do not take the chance of joyriding," he said. "You're risking your life and other people's lives. Don't do it."

A 16-year-old youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, also appeared before the same court. He was accused of aggravated vehicle taking.

He was bailed to live at a secret address outside the county and will reappear in court next month.

A 17-year-old youth was also charged with aggravated vehicle taking and will appear before Plymouth magistrates tomorrow.

A fourth youngster, aged 12, may not face any action. Police say a file is being prepared to consider whether a prosecution against him would be suitable.

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